Sturgis Rally Recap – Riding, Racing, and Memories
Sturgis is always one of my favorite weeks of the year. It’s one of the few times I can take a break from work, spend days on a motorcycle, and soak in everything the Black Hills have to offer. From gnarly trail rides to racing action and unforgettable highways, 2020’s rally gave me more than a few stories worth telling.
Friday – Hitting the Trails
My brother and I loaded up the Sprinter van Friday before the rally and headed west, arriving in Nemo around midnight. We parked near a trailhead, grabbed some rest, and hit the trails Saturday morning with good friends from back home.
We spent nearly 10 hours riding some of the toughest trails in the Black Hills. Our dad loaned us a couple of his trail bikes under the condition that we replace whatever parts we broke. Let’s just say — it might be cheaper to buy the bikes outright. After a full day of punishment, they were both looking rough.
Sunday – Buffalo Chip TT AFT National
Sunday was load-in for the Buffalo Chip TT AFT National. I sat this one out, but my brother Cole lined up on one of our 2017 CRF 450s. He qualified well, ran a strong heat race, and looked solid for the semi — until the rain delay.
When racing resumed, Cole got off to a great start, running inside the top 9. He tried a bold move in a tight left-hander but slid out. Dead last, he did what Cole always does — entertained the crowd. Wheelies, big jumps, and a fearless style made him a fan favorite, even though his semi ended in a broken front end. Thankfully, he walked away 100% okay. The bike, however… let’s just say I’m nervous to unload it and see the damage.
Monday – Needles Highway
On Monday I took my Honda Grom down Needles Highway, one of the most scenic rides in the Black Hills. If you’ve never ridden it, I highly recommend breaking away from Main Street to experience it. Tight turns, tunnels, and incredible views make it a ride I’ll repeat every year — hopefully with no rain next time.
Tuesday – Rapid City Half-Mile
Tuesday brought the Rapid City Half-Mile, hosted by my friend Terry Rymer and Black Hills Harley-Davidson. My buddy Brad Baker generously let me ride his Indian FTR-750, and I suited up.
Free practice was a wake-up call. Mentally, I wasn’t ready to push as hard as I wanted. After a quick call with Brad, his advice was simple: go out, have fun, and let things flow.
The heat race was rough, but with each session, I found more comfort and speed. By the semi, I was turning faster laps and finally looking like I belonged out there. For me, Tuesday wasn’t about results — it was about facing the mental hurdle of getting back out there.
Gratitude and Next Steps
Sturgis this year was more than just racing; it was about resilience, fun, and appreciating the people who stand by me through the highs and lows.
A huge thank you to my supporters and especially Vanilla Cycles. Your support keeps me riding and racing, no matter what challenges come up.
Now, it’s time to check out the damage on my ’17 Honda and start building that parts list.
Cheers,
KA25
